inimitable

adjective

in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈni-mə-tə-bəl 

: not capable of being imitated : matchless

her own inimitable style

inimitableness noun

inimitably

(ˌ)i-ˈni-mə-tə-blē 

adverb

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How Should You Use inimitable?

Something that is inimitable is, literally, not able to be imitated. In actual usage the word describes things so uniquely extraordinary as to not be copied or equaled, which is why you often hear it used to praise outstanding talents or performances (or uniquely talented and incomparable individuals). (The less common antonym imitable describes things that are common or ordinary and could easily be replicated.) Inimitable comes, via Middle English, from the Latin adjective inimitabilis. Be careful not to confuse it with inimical or inimicable, two adjectives meaning “hostile” or “harmful”; those words come from a different Latin root.

Synonyms of inimitable

• only
• extraordinary
• excellent
• incomparable
• exceptional
• unparalleled
• matchless
• unique
• unrivaled
• beautiful

Examples of inimitable in a Sentence

an inimitable performer of violin solos

Recent Examples on the Web

From Jelly Roll paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne – with wife Sharon and kids Kelly and Jack in the room – to Art Garfunkel making a rare appearance to the women of Huntr/x dropping some K-pop in the room, the lineup offered plenty of inimitable moments. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026

Her inimitable comedic timing gave rise to an extraordinary and varied career that gave audiences roles like Kate McCallister in Home Alone, Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Patty Leigh in The Studio. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2026

Appropriately, Stromberg’s henchman is named Jaws, played by the inimitable Richard Kiel, whose metal teeth and imposing physique make for some of the franchise’s most memorable fight scenes. —Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026

With the inimitable Chef Devin Denzer at the helm, Atsumeru utilizes the exacting refinement of traditional Japanese technique and blends it with the discipline, color, and loveliness of Nordic fare. —Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin inimitābilis, from in- in- entry 1 + imitābilis imitable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inimitable

• illimitable

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Kids Definition

inimitable

adjective

in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈim-ət-ə-bəl 

: not capable of being imitated : matchless

her own inimitable style